State-by-state elder care resources — where to call for help

Reviewed by the How To Help Your Elders Team

Every state has a network of agencies whose entire job is helping families like yours find care, report problems, and access benefits for aging parents. The Administration for Community Living reports that Area Agencies on Aging alone serve more than 11 million older adults annually, and most families never contact them because they don't know they exist. This guide covers the four major resource systems available in every state, what each one does, and how to reach them.

Area Agencies on Aging Are Your Best First Call

Every state is divided into planning and service areas, each served by an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). There are 622 AAAs across the country, and they function as the local coordination point for nearly all aging services. If you make one phone call, make this one. The AAA can tell you what services exist in your parent's area, help you understand eligibility, connect you with providers, and in some cases directly fund services through state and federal grants.

AAAs provide information about home care services, meal delivery programs (including Meals on Wheels), transportation assistance, adult day programs, caregiver support, and housing options. Many have social workers on staff who will sit down with you, at no charge, and walk through your parent's situation. The ACL reports that AAA-coordinated services help an estimated 90 percent of older adult clients remain living in their communities rather than entering institutional care.

To find your parent's AAA, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) and provide the state and county where your parent lives. They will give you the phone number and address. You can also search online at eldercare.acl.gov. When you call the AAA, they may conduct a brief needs assessment. They are not judging your family. They are matching your parent's situation with available resources.

Even if your parent does not need services today, calling the AAA to understand what exists locally gives you a head start for the day when something changes suddenly.

Your State Medicaid Office Handles Eligibility and Long-Term Care Coverage

Medicaid is the joint federal-state program that covers healthcare for people with limited income and resources. CMS reports that Medicaid pays for approximately 42 percent of all long-term care costs in the United States, making it the single largest payer for nursing home and community-based long-term care. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid eligibility rules vary significantly by state, which is why your State Medicaid Office is the authoritative source for your parent's specific situation.

When you contact the State Medicaid Office, ask about income and asset limits for your parent's age group, what types of care are covered (nursing home, home and community-based services, assisted living waivers), and what the application process looks like. Some states have simplified applications for elderly residents with low incomes. Others offer Medicaid waiver programs that allow people who would otherwise qualify for nursing home placement to receive services at home instead.

Ask whether emergency Medicaid coverage is available while an application is being processed. If your parent needs hospitalization or urgent care and might face large bills without coverage, emergency Medicaid can bridge the gap.

To find your State Medicaid Office, search your state's name plus "Medicaid" online, or call 1-800-MEDICARE, and they will connect you to your state's program. Have your parent's age, income, assets, and current living situation ready. Bringing recent bank statements, a Social Security benefits statement, and any property information speeds up the conversation and reduces back-and-forth.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Advocates Inside Facilities

If your parent lives in a nursing home, assisted living community, or any long-term care setting, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is your independent advocate. Ombudsmen are not employed by the facility. Their job is to protect residents' rights and investigate complaints. The ACL reports that the national ombudsman program handled over 200,000 complaints in the most recent reporting year, covering issues from care quality and medication errors to food, dignity, and abuse.

If your parent has concerns about how they are being treated, if you notice changes in their condition that the facility has not explained, or if you witness anything that looks like neglect or mistreatment, the ombudsman can investigate. They have the legal authority to enter facilities, review records, interview staff, and speak with residents confidentially. Many issues resolve through a conversation between the ombudsman and facility management. Having a neutral third party involved shifts the dynamic in ways that a family member acting alone often cannot.

Contact the ombudsman through your Area Agency on Aging, or search your state's name plus "long-term care ombudsman" online. Some states have regional ombudsmen covering specific areas. When you call, describe your concern clearly. The ombudsman will determine whether the issue falls within their scope and what steps they can take.

Adult Protective Services Investigates Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

If you suspect your parent is being physically, emotionally, or financially abused, or if they are being neglected by a caregiver (professional or family), Adult Protective Services (APS) is the agency that investigates. Every state has an APS program. The ACL's National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System received reports involving more than 688,000 older adults in its most recent data year, and researchers estimate that for every reported case, approximately 23 go unreported.

APS investigates abuse by anyone responsible for your parent's care, and also investigates self-neglect when an older adult is unable to care for themselves and is refusing help. When you call, be specific: describe what you observed, when you observed it, and any evidence such as visible injuries, unexplained financial transfers, or behavioral changes. You can report anonymously in most states.

To find your state's APS program, search your state's name plus "Adult Protective Services" online, or call your Area Agency on Aging for the local number. Some states have a centralized hotline; others require contacting the county office. If there is immediate danger, call 911 first and APS second.

These Systems Work Together

Area Agencies on Aging, State Medicaid, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and Adult Protective Services are technically separate agencies, but they are designed to coordinate. When you call one, they often have direct relationships with the others and can help you connect. You do not need to understand the entire system to use it. Start with the Area Agency on Aging. They know what exists locally and will point you in the right direction for everything else.

Every call you make, whether to learn about services, apply for benefits, or report a concern, is you doing what needs to be done for your parent. These professionals are accustomed to families who feel confused and overwhelmed. Asking for help is their job. Accepting it is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eldercare Locator, and is it free?
The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) is a free national service funded by the Administration for Community Living. It connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging and other aging resources based on your parent's location. It operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Can the Area Agency on Aging help with paying for care?
In many cases, yes. AAAs administer programs funded by the Older Americans Act and state funds that can pay for home care, meals, transportation, and other services. Eligibility varies, but these programs often serve people who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to pay privately for all the help they need.

What should I do if I suspect abuse but I'm not sure?
Report it. APS exists to investigate, and you do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring. If something seems wrong, describe what you have observed and let APS determine whether an investigation is warranted. You can report anonymously in most states, and there are legal protections for good-faith reporters.

Does my parent have to be low-income to qualify for Medicaid?
Medicaid eligibility is based on income and assets, and the thresholds vary by state. Some states have higher limits than others, and many have special programs for elderly residents who need long-term care. Your State Medicaid Office can tell you the specific limits for your parent's situation.

Can the ombudsman help if my parent is in assisted living, not a nursing home?
Yes. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program covers residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and other long-term care settings. The scope of coverage varies slightly by state, but assisted living is included in most states' ombudsman programs.